Bannarak Sermthong, Deputy Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, confirmed to The Phuket News earlier this week that the investigation into the cause of the landslide is still underway, but nearing completion.
“While the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 Foundation is currently under investigation by Karon Police [for illegally encroaching on protected forest area], the investigation into the cause of the landslide is overseen by Forest Protection Unit 2 (Phuket),” Mr Bannarak explained.
Sorasak Rananan, Director of the Phuket Forestry Centre, told The Phuket News on Monday, “Since the construction contributed to the landslide, the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 Foundation will be held accountable for the 13 deaths.
“Since I believe the construction was a part of the factor, I will be heading to Karon Police to provide additional information gathered from our observations and investigation related to the project.
“The parking lot construction on the hill was found to be built over a canal, posing a high risk of further collapse,” Mr Sorasak noted.
“I can’t provide details about the investigation or present the evidence we have, but I’ve done my part by charging Mr Suporn Wanichkul, President of the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 Foundation, for encroaching on five rai of land. That’s what we clearly can tell you so far,” he added.
“I am responsible for handling this case and have worked closely with local government agencies to manage water diversion. Today [Oct 7], I assigned my team to plant vetiver grass, tree saplings and topsoil to stabilise the landslide area,” Mr Sorasak said
Regarding the formal complaint filed against the foundation and its president Mr Suporn for the illegal encroachment onto five rai of protected forest land at the viewpoint, Pol Col Khundet Na Nongkhai, Superintendent of Karon Police Station, told The Phuket News, “I have prepared and submitted the necessary documentation to the prosecutor.
“Our responsibility is to report all findings from the investigation process, including the fact that the foundation has denied all charges,” he added.
After The Phuket News spoke with Pol Col Khundet, Karon Police posted a notice confirming that charges against the foundation and its president for the illegal encroachment on five rai of protected forest at the Big Buddha viewpoint had been submitted to the Phuket Public Prosecutor’s Office.
RFD Deputy Director Mr Bunnarak had previously assured, “If the investigation concludes that the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Foundation is at fault and they are found guilty, they will be held responsible for covering all damages and associated costs.”
Mr Bannarak also confirmed that the Big Buddha site will remain closed until further notice.
COVER UP
The silence by government agencies in any reporting of the investigation into the cause of the landslide has raised serious concerns.
Anuphong Panarat, Secretary to the Governor of Phuket, said, “When the initial investigation was held by the RFD, I would like to ask why no one talked about the construction. They just let it build like this, which is not a small construction. No matter how you look at it, the RFD should be able to answer what to do with it.
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee was blunt in his appraisal of the silence in reporting.
“The government agencies haven’t explained the real cause yet. I believe they’re trying to cover it up. I’ve sent a letter to inquire and raise objections,” he said.
Mr Chalermpong assured, “My next step is to push forward and continue to put pressure on government agencies. If they fail to provide answers or solutions, it indicates a neglect of their responsibilities.
“Right Now, I am waiting for an answer, waiting for information to be sent first about who is responsible for this offense. If it really comes from the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45, then the people have the right to demand compensation.” Mr Chalermpong explained.
“So far, I have already asked the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to investigate the financial activities of the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Sattha 45 and submitted a formal inquiry to the Minister of Culture regarding the construction of Big Buddha. However, the government agencies remain silent and have yet to provide any response,” he told The Phuket News.
Mr Chalermpong insisted, “I will have to keep asking for progress. In any case, I will have to give the government time to investigate the cause and take action first.”
COMPENSATION
Mr Anuphong explained the compensation process for the 13 people killed in the Aug 23 landslide, including a Russian couple, sattaing, “We must first assess the compensation rights, as the cases involve Thai nationals, Myanmar workers, and foreign individuals.
“Both Thais and Myanmar workers [survivors and families of those killed] are receiving compensation in line with the coverage provided by the Social Security Office of Phuket.
Mr Chalermpong noted, “I have noticed that compensation does not only come from social security. Karon Municipality itself is providing compensation according to the regulations as appropriate.”
Regarding the possibility of additional compensation, Mr Anuphong said, “We will need to consult experts to determine whether the landslide was caused by construction activities or resulted from a natural disaster. All parties must await the investigation’s results before any confirmations can be made.”